Tonkatsu spot with same-direction seats in Myeonmok: Katsu Monster

Today I finally got some free time to myself after dropping my kid off at daycare! Here's my relaxed solo dining review, haha.

After daycare drop-off, lunch is usually something quick at home, but today I couldn't be bothered to cook and honestly just wanted some fresh air, so I wanted to enjoy a leisurely solo meal out. Since it was close by, I hopped on a bus and headed somewhere—

—Katsu Monster Myeonmok, known as a great spot for solo dining in Myeonmok-dong.

How are the seats set up for solo dining at Katsu Monster Myeonmok?

At Katsu Monster Myeonmok, every seat faces the same direction, which made solo dining genuinely comfortable. I'm actually super shy about eating alone, but here I felt zero pressure!

I could eat comfortably without worrying about the person next to me or across from me,

and the shop is a cozy size, which felt just right for solo dining. It made me want to come back for solo meals again sometime. I also liked how tidy and clean the inside was.

When's the quiet time to go?

I happened to visit right after the lunch rush ended, so the dining room was pretty empty aside from me.

But delivery orders kept coming in nonstop—which told me right away,

ah, this place is a hidden gem."

Anyway, if you want to eat quietly and alone like me, I highly recommend this time slot! Deliberately avoiding peak hours seems like a smart move for solo dining.

How does the cheese katsu set (mozzarella) taste?

After going back and forth, I ordered the cheese katsu set (mozzarella).

There's a thick layer of cheese inside, so when you lift it with chopsticks it stretches dramatically! Every bite had a strong, savory cheese flavor that was really satisfying.

The outside was crispy breading, and the cheese made the inside feel even softer. I worried it might be greasy, but it was savory enough to eat even without dipping sauce,

and stretching the cheese out bite by bite made it fun to eat, so even solo it never got boring.

The soba that came with it

I didn't expect much from the soba (buckwheat noodles) that came as part of the set, but it was quite good.

It wasn't bland or watery—the seasoning was spot on and suited my taste well. Alternating between the tonkatsu and the soba kept it from getting repetitive, and I finished it all easily. Even just one menu item left me feeling full and satisfied.

How the ordering system works

At Katsu Monster Myeonmok, sauce, wasabi, and chopsticks are set up next to the table,

so you just take as much as you need.

When the food's ready, you bring it to your table yourself, and once you're done, you put the empty dishes back on the table and staff will clear them.

It was a simple, no-fuss system that worked fine even solo.

Is parking available at Katsu Monster Myeonmok?

Katsu Monster Myeonmok doesn't have its own parking lot, so if you're planning to drive, keep that in mind ahead of time.

On top of that, there's a police station right next door, haha, so parking casually on the main street felt a bit awkward. I'd recommend taking public transit like I did!

The staff were kind too

There was a male owner and two male staff, all fairly young, and they were attentive and kind even to a solo diner. That kind of thoughtfulness made solo dining feel even more comfortable.

Visit info

• 📍 25 Sangbong-ro, 1F, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• ⏰ Daily 10:30–21:00
• Break time 15:00–16:00
• 🚗 No dedicated parking
• Both takeout and delivery available

Q&A

Q. Is it okay for solo dining?

A. Yes!! Every seat faces the same direction, so going alone felt really comfortable.

Q. Is parking available?

A. There's no dedicated lot, and parking on the main street is tricky because of the police station right next door.

Final thoughts

Honestly, solo dining is hard for someone as shy as me, but thanks to the cozy space and comfortable seating layout, I ate without any pressure at all!

The cheese katsu set had plenty of cheese, which was satisfying, and the soba that came with it had just the right seasoning to pair well.

No parking, but it's a great spot for solo dining, delivery, or a quick stop while passing by—highly recommend if you're looking for a solo lunch spot in Myeonmok-dong!! Next time I'll try the ramen or other katsu menu items and share another review.